Olivia Rosendahl (@oli_the_rose_ & @olivias_pfotografie) is a dedicated macro and nature photographer with over 13 years of experience in the field. "My enduring passion for photography has been a big part in my life," she says. "Immersed in the captivating world of nature, I find inspiration during walks, while I mostly carry my camera with me. In addition to my passion for nature photography, I run a successful dog photography business and I also use my Sony gear for that work." We wanted to learn more about the gear she uses for nature and dog photography. Keep reading as Olivia gives us the inside scoop on her Sony Alpha kit.

Product Preview – In This Article You'll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7 III
–Sony Alpha 7R
–Sony 85mm f/1.8
–Sony 50mm f/1.8

Often, my photographic subjects are tiny yet extraordinary, eliminating the need for extensive travel to discover compelling scenes. Through my camera and lenses, I aspire to reveal the unnoticed beauty that people normally oversee. Equipped for my excursions, I carry a backpack containing essential gear such as my camera and one or two lenses.

Cameras 

Sony Alpha 7 III: I have been utilizing the Sony Alpha 7 III as my primary camera for the past three years, particularly in the realm of nature and dog photography. The camera's features align seamlessly with my artistic vision, notably the focus peaking option that enhances precision during manual focusing. The live view mode's zoom function proves invaluable in achieving precise focus for my macro subjects.

The significance of an open aperture in my nature and dog photography cannot be overstated, as I am particularly drawn to creating images with lush, creamy bokeh backgrounds. The capabilities of this mirrorless full-frame camera perfectly cater to this preference.

"This image was taken in this summer. The sun was setting already and a warm shimmer of golden light sprinkled the heathers with its beauty. I kneeled down to capture them from the bottom to capture the sun, too." Photo by Olivia Rosendahl. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/2500-sec., f/1.8, ISO 250

A noteworthy attribute is the built-in image stabilization, a feature that facilitates handheld shooting without the need for a tripod. This is a big advantage in lower light outdoor environments. Additionally, the animal-eye autofocus simplifies the process of capturing compelling images of dogs, which aligns with my secondary venture in dog photography.

Photo by Olivia Rosendahl. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/3200-sec., f/1.8, ISO 200

Sony Alpha 7R: The Sony Alpha 7R serves as my backup camera, holding a special place in my photographic journey as it marked the initiation of my affinity for Sony products. This camera was my first full-frame camera, and over the course of its use, I've captured thousands of images with it. The Sony Alpha 7R remains a reliable companion, standing as a testament to the evolution of my craft and the enduring quality of Sony's imaging technology.

Photographer Olivia Rosendahl.

Lenses

Sony 85mm f/1.8: The Sony 85mm f/1.8 lens has proven to be a really important lens in my nature photography bag. Not only it is lightweight, but its remarkable sharpness and ability to produce an exquisite bokeh make it a great performer in my photography. The lens's closest focusing distance of 80cm is good for capturing compelling close-ups.

In addition to its great performance in nature photography, I frequently use this lens to capture images of dogs, a key component of my secondary business. The decision to select a Sony lens comes from the understanding that the seamless integration of a Sony lens with a Sony camera yields optimal performance, ensuring that each shot shows a harmonious synergy between equipment and artistry.

"The Sony 85mm lens makes my subjects pop from the background and creates an amazing creamy bokeh, which I personally love in my shots. Both for nature and dogs, it’s perfect!" Photo by Olivia Rosendahl. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/4000-sec., f/2, ISO 400

Sony 50mm f/1.8: The Sony 50mm f/1.8 lens holds a special place in my collection as one of my first Sony lenses. Renowned for its versatility, it has become an indispensable tool in capturing the essence of everyday life. The lens's lightweight design is a notable advantage, contributing to the ease of use and portability. Its lovely performance, particularly in lower light conditions, has consistently met my expectations. The endearing bokeh it produces adds a charming quality to my images. The wide aperture of f/1.8 is important for me to catch my wanted aesthetic, allowing for a seamless blend of a creamy background with a sharply defined subject. I often use it when photographing dogs, too, because the distance to the subject makes it easier to capture good shots while respecting the dogs personal space. This lens remains a reliable choice.

"This lens perfectly fits to my needs when it comes to dog photography. For this image I kneeled down to capture the dachshund eye to eye. I placed him in front of a tree to capture that gorgeous bokeh. The animal eye-AF in combination with that tack sharp lens made it easier for me to capture this image." Photo by Olivia Rosendahl. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 50mm f/1.8. 1/3200-sec., f/1.8, ISO 200

Accessories

Camera Strap: The camera strap I use is essential to my style of taking pictures. Given my preference for prime lenses, which necessitates frequent movement, it becomes really important, especially in dynamic and uneven terrains like forests or unstable paths. This accessory plays an important role in maintaining the security of my gear, allowing me the freedom to focus on capturing moments without concerns about the safety of my camera.

Water Bottle: I also carry a water bottle with me all the time. Nothing is worse than being thirsty while taking a walk in nature!

Photo by Olivia Rosendahl. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/3200-sec., f/1.8, ISO 320

Extra Memory Cards: I always keep spare SD cards with me to be sure I always have space to capture images. 

Spray Bottle: A really handy widget in my backpack is a spraying water bottle. Sometimes, the plants need a little freshness for an additional point of interest, that’s why I sometimes mist the plants before taking images. This practice enhances the visual appeal of the images by introducing a nuanced layer of detail, creating a more captivating and dynamic composition. The spraying water bottle, therefore, serves as a practical and creative accessory.

Photo by Olivia Rosendahl. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/6400-sec., f/1.8, ISO 640

See more of Olivia Rosendahl's work on Instagram @oli_the_rose_ & @olivias_pfotografie.